Getting A Pet For Christmas

Getting a pet for Christmas is one of the most memorable gifts you will ever enjoy. Pets quickly become members of the family and spending time with your new friend adds excitement to the holidays. Here are a few tips to make sure your new pet adjusts to its new home.

Too Much Excitement Can Be Trouble

Your pet may enjoy being held and played with most of the day, but be mindful when they need a break. Some animals are nocturnal or crepuscular and so they may not be used to staying up or being handled during the day. Go slow with your new pet, especially if they are the type of pet that needs to get used to your smell to feel comfortable.

Don’t Overdo the Food

Pets have a hard time over the holidays because they often consume too much of the wrong type of food. If you have a new puppy, make sure you don’t feed it people food. Your new dog may enjoy cookies and cake, but that really has no nutritional value for your pet. Carrots and other vegetables make a better choice. If your new dog is a puppy, you can begin training it to enjoy healthier snacks from the get go. Be aware of poisonous foods for pets and poisonous plants for pets especially during the holiday season when they are more likely to be around some toxic things. Stomach upset and diarrhea can occur due to new foods or a new environment. Be careful though because animals can get dehydrated quickly and often don’t show signs of sickness until they are very sick. If your new pet has diarrhea keep a close eye on him or her and call the veterinarians if you have any doubt or concerns.

Make Sure Your Pet Has Everything It Needs

The first day your pet is home, you may not have all the accessories your particular pet needs. As long as you have food, water and a proper home, you should be fine for a few days. If you have a caged pet, make sure your pet will be secure. You don’t want to wake up the next morning to an empty cage! Begin researching what your pet needs and make sure you supply them with what they need to feel at home. Proper exercise and toys are as important to your pet as the proper food.

Schedule Your First Wellness Exam

Some pets don’t routinely go the veterinarians it’s true. If you have a new cat or dog though, you should bring them in as soon as possible for their first wellness exam. They may need vaccinations too. A first visit is important to make sure your pet is healthy and to see if they require something more than you expected. Even if your pet doesn’t need a veterinary visit, it is important to have information handy about your veterinarian in case you need to visit in an emergency. Your veterinarians at Locust Trace Veterinary Clinic are available to help with any pet you may have. Call today if you have questions or need to schedule an appointment.